[Rapid diagnosis units or immediate health care clinics in internal medicine. Analysis of the first six months of operation in Palencia (Spain)]. / Unidades de diagnóstico rápido o consultas de atención inmediata en medicina interna. Análisis de los primeros 6 meses de funcionamiento en Palencia.

The extraordinary development experienced by Primary Care and medical specialties has not always been matched by better organisation of the health system. Waiting lists, the proportion of inappropriate stays and admissions, or absence of real mechanisms that enable to discriminate the severe cases from the banal in patients on the waiting list are situations that illustrate the above. Thus, the need arises to promote continuity of care between the two levels of care (Primary and Hospital) and improve patient care, most especially for those suspected of serious illness. In this context, Rapid Diagnostic Units were introduced; designed to improve coordination with Primary Care, and reduce delays especially in severe cases. In this paper, we review these units, and present our experience during the first six months of operation.

Serum uric acid levels in multiple sclerosis patients inversely correlate with disability.

Uric acid (UA) is an endogenous antioxidant. Some studies have described that multiple sclerosis (MS) patients have lower serum UA levels than controls, although it has not been established whether UA is primarily deficient, or secondarily reduced due to its scavenging activity. UA has also been proposed as an indicator of disease activity. We, retrospectively, reviewed 478 serum UA levels obtained in 94 MS patients. Ninety samples were collected during a relapse. Correlation between UA levels obtained during a relapse or in a relapse-free period, and comparison between UA and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) score was tested using a two-tailed Student's t test and Spearman correlation coefficients test. UA levels were significantly lower when measured during a relapse (n 90) than in a remission period (n 368) (r -0.16, p 0.003) UA levels measured outside a relapse inversely correlated with EDSS score (r -0.15, p 0.001). Lower uric acid levels in MS patients are associated with clinical relapse. This is the first description of an inverse correlation of serum UA levels with disability as assessed by EDSS score.

Influence of APOE gene polymorphisms on interferon-beta treatment response in multiple sclerosis.

OBJECTIVE: Clinical trials with interferon beta in relapsing remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS) have demonstrated a reduction in the relapse rate. Nevertheless, not all patients respond to this treatment, although there is no consensus regarding the definition of response to therapy. The reasons for this failure are not known but genetic factors probably influence this, as has been previously shown with Interleukin 10 or Interferon gamma polymorphisms. The role of apolipoprotein E (APOE) gene in MS has been investigated and does not appear to increase risk for MS or influence disease severity. Interestingly APOE variation influences response to cholinesterase inhibitor treatment in Alzheimer disease or to statins in hypercholesterolemia. This might have future implications for MS. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 38 RRMS patients (32 females and 6 males) treated with interferon beta (INFbeta) over at least two years. Criteria for treatment were uniform accordingly to an "Advisory Committee for the Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis". We collected data variables including age, age of onset, clinical type or disease duration. Patients were classified, two years after the start of treatment, as responders and non-responders based upon clinical criteria available in the literature, which rely on the presence of relapses, increase of disability, or both. APOE genotype was determined from blood samples using validated polymerase chain reaction methods. Correlation between patient responding status with allele E2 or E4 was tested. RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (52.6%) received subcutaneous INFbeta1b (Betaferón(®)), 13 (34.2%) INFbeta1a intramuscular (Avonex(®)), and 5 (13.2%) subcutaneous INFbeta1a (Rebif(®)). We found 2 patients (5.2%) heterozygous for the E2 allele and 9 (23.7%) for the E4 allele. No patient was homozygous for E2 or E4. Comparison of patients with and without E2 or E4 allele showed no significant differences in any of the ten therapy response variables assessed. CONCLUSION: Findings of a recent meta-analysis have not supported a role for APOE in MS susceptibility or severity. We have not found, in our data, any influence of this gene in the RRMS response to INFbeta. However, larger series would be required to validate these results.

Patrones estacionales de nacimiento en esclerosis múltiple / Seasonal birth patterns in multiple sclerosis

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Hematomas cerebrales espontáneos múltiples. Descripción de una serie y revisión de la bibliografía / Multiple spontaneous cerebral haemorrahges. Descriptión of a series and review of the literature

Resumen. Introducción. La aparición simultánea de hemorragias cerebrales en diferentes territorios arteriales ocurre en el 2-3% de los accidentes cerebrovasculares. Diversos factores de riesgo se han asociado con la presentación de múltiples hemorragias cerebrales, pero ninguno ha sido confirmado. Presentamos los síntomas clínicos, las manifestaciones radiológicas y la evolución clínica de siete casos admitidos en nuestro centro durante los últimos nueve años, así como los distintos factores etiológicos. Pacientes y métodos. Se revisaron retrospectivamente los pacientes con un episodio de accidente cerebrovascular agudo ingresados en nuestro servicio durante el período comprendido entre enero de 1998 y febrero de 2007. Se excluyó a los pacientes con historia de traumatismo cerebral o infartos hemorrágicos. Se analizaron la edad, los factores de riesgo, la presentación clínica, el número y localización de los hematomas y su evolución. Resultados. Presentamos 7 casos (5 hombres y 2 mujeres). La edad media fue de 78 años. Las manifestaciones clínicas más frecuentes fueron la disminución del nivel de conciencia y la pérdida de fuerza. El total de hematomas fue de 20, de los cuales 19 (95%) eran supratentoriales, y 15 (75%), lobares. En un paciente la hemorragia se extendió al sistema ventricular. Tres pacientes (43%) tuvieron historia de hipertensión, un caso se asoció con la toma de anticoagulación oral (14%) y otro con discrasias sanguíneas (14%). Tres pacientes fallecieron (43%). Conclusión. Nuestra serie de pacientes con múltiples hemorragias cerebrales, respecto a los síntomas, los hallazgos radiológicos y la evolución es similar a otras previamente descritas, pero nuestros pacientes son mayores. La avanzada edad y la localización de los hematomas sugieren que la angiopatía amiloidea puede ser un importante factor de riesgo para presentar hemorragias cerebrales múltiples (AU)

Summary. Introduction. The simultaneous occurrence of intracerebral haemorraghes in different arterial territories is an clinical event that develops in 2% to 3% of hemorrhagic strokes. Multiple risk factors have been associated with multiple intracerebral haemorraghes, but none of them are clearly defined. We reported clinical features, radiological findings, and outcome of 7 patients admitted to our department during last nine years and the diverse etiologic factors are discussed. Patients and methods.We retrospectively reviewed all patients with acute stroke admitted to our department during the period January 1998-February 2007. Patients with a history of traumatic brain injury or suspected hemorrhagic infarctions were excluded. We collected data concerning age, risk factors, clinical features, number and location of haematomas and outcome. Results. We studied 7 patients (5 males and 2 females) Mean age was 78. The most common clinical manifestations were decreased alertness and weakness. Total number of haematomas was 20, 19 (95%) supratentorial and 15 (75%) in lobar area. One patient haemorrhage extended into the ventricular system. Three patients (43%) had hipertensive history, and in only one case was associated with oral anticoagulant (14%) and one blood dyscrasia (14%). Three patients died (43%). Conclusion. In our series of patients with multiple intracerebral haemorraghes, clinical and radiological findings and outcome were comparable to others previously described, but our patients were older. The advanced age and lobar localization suggest amyloid angiopathy is an important risk factor to multiple intracerebral haemorraghes (AU)

[Multiple spontaneous cerebral haemorrhages. Description of a series and review of the literature]. / Hematomas cerebrales espontáneos múltiples. Descripción de una serie y revisión de la bibliografía.

INTRODUCTION: The simultaneous occurrence of intracerebral haemorraghes in different arterial territories is an clinical event that develops in 2% to 3% of hemorrhagic strokes. Multiple risk factors have been associated with multiple intracerebral haemorraghes, but none of them are clearly defined. We reported clinical features, radiological findings, and outcome of 7 patients admitted to our department during last nine years and the diverse etiologic factors are discussed. PATIENTS AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with acute stroke admitted to our department during the period January 1998-February 2007. Patients with a history of traumatic brain injury or suspected hemorrhagic infarctions were excluded. We collected data concerning age, risk factors, clinical features, number and location of haematomas and outcome. RESULTS: We studied 7 patients (5 males and 2 females) Mean age was 78. The most common clinical manifestations were decreased alertness and weakness. Total number of haematomas was 20, 19 (95%) supratentorial and 15 (75%) in lobar area. One patient haemorrhage extended into the ventricular system. Three patients (43%) had hipertensive history, and in only one case was associated with oral anticoagulant (14%) and one blood dyscrasia (14%). Three patients died (43%). CONCLUSION: In our series of patients with multiple intracerebral haemorraghes, clinical and radiological findings and outcome were comparable to others previously described, but our patients were older. The advanced age and lobar localization suggest amyloid angiopathy is an important risk factor to multiple intracerebral haemorraghes.

[69 years old male patient, with impairment of physical condition, hyperpigmentation, cutaneous lesion and a deficient response to treatment]. / Varón de 69 años con afectación del estado general, hiperpigmentación, lesión cutánea y respuesta deficiente al tratamiento.

We submit the case of a male patient, suffering from a tuberculous ethiology adrenal primary insufficiency, showing a dermal lesion, in which necrotizing granulomas were found, and from which bacterial culture growth yielded mycobacterium bovis. Given the clinical findings, and awaiting for the bacterial culture result, a triple treatment with tuberculostatics was started, but had to be discontinued because of hepatic toxicity. After culture of cutaneous biopsy yielded micobaterium tuberculosis, treatment with streptomycin, rifampicin and etambutol was restarted. Three weeks later, in spite of increasing hydrocortisone dose to 40 mg, adrenal insufficiency reappeared. Under the circumstances, we chose to continue rifampicin and double hydrocortisone dose. The case is of concern because of the concurrency of three nowadays infrequent disorders: tuberculous ethiology adrenal insufficiency, cutaneous tuberculosis due to mycobacterium bovis and primary adrenal insufficiency due to rifampicin treatment, the latter resolved after increasing hydrocortisone dose.

Hiperplasia nodular focal en mujer joven / Focal nodular hyperplasia in a young woman

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Análisis de los pacientes geriátricos afectados por el síndrome del aceite tóxico ingresados en el Hospital Río Carrión durante el trienio 1998-2000 / Analysis of toxic oil syndrome geriatric patients admitted at Río Carrión Hospital in the 1998-2000 triennium

Introducción: nuestro objetivo es examinar la evolución clínica de pacientes geriátricos con síndrome del Aceite Tóxico (SAT) en la provincia de Palencia. Material y métodos: análisis retrospectivo delos pacientes afectos de SAT mayores de 65años ingresados en el Hospital Río Carrión de Palencia en el trienio 1998-2000.Resultados: en el trienio estudiado, ingresaron en nuestro centro 24 pacientes mayores de65 años con SAT, en un total de 40 episodios, principalmente en los Servicios de Cardiología, Medicina Interna, Urología, Neumología y Cirugía. Los motivos de ingreso más frecuentes fueron: cirugía programada, infecciones respiratorias, complicaciones de neoplasias y síndromes coronarios. Habían mejorado ostensiblemente o normalizado su clínica neuromuscular el 94,4%,el 88,2% la respiratoria, el 100% sus síntomas constitucionales y el 92,3% los cutáneos. Conclusiones: en nuestro estudio no hemos objetivado que el SAT motivara un incremento significativo en los ingresos hospitalarios en eltrienio 1998-2000 en la provincia de Palencia. Destaca asimismo una evolución mayoritariamente favorable en todos los síntomas causados por el SAT desde 1981 hasta la actualidad

Introduction: Our goal is to search the clinical evolution of Toxic Oil Syndrome (TOS) geriatric patients at Palencia country. Material and methods: Retrospective analysisof the TOS patients with more of 65 years oldadmitted at Palencia Río Carrión Hospital in the1998-2000 triennium. Results: In the affected triennium, 24 TOS patients with more of 65 years old were admitted atour Centre, in a total of 40 episodes, mainly at Cardiology, Internal Medicine, Urology, Pneumologyand Surgery Services. The more importantad mission motives were: programmed operation, respiratory infection, complications of neoplasmand coronary syndrome. Ninety four per cent of patients had improved manifestly or normalized their neuromuscular clinic; 88.2% their respiratory clinic, 100% their constitutional symptomsand 92.3% their cutaneous ones. Conclusions: In our study we haven’t objectijy that TOS causes a significative increase of the hospitalizations in the 1998-2000 triennium at Palencia country. It also stands out a chiefly favourable development of all the symptoms caused by TOS from 1981 to present day

[Evolution of serological characteristics in 26 patients with tularemia three years after the outbreak]. / Análisis serológico evolutivo de 26 pacientes con tularemia tres años después del brote.

INTRODUCTION: Tularemia was an unknown zoonosis in our region until the first quarter of 1998. The outbreak that took place on those dates has made possible to study some scantly known characteristics of the disease, as are the determinants for the persistence of a high antibody titer. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Between March and May, 2001, a clinical-analytical control was carried out in 26 patients who showed tularemia in the first quarter of 1998. RESULTS: The clinical forms during the acute phase were: ulceroglandular (46.2% of patients), nodal (26.9%), typhoid (15.4%) and pharyngeal (11.5%). Antibiotics most prescribed were streptomycin and doxycycline. Nine patients showed sequelae three years later. The arithmetical mean of antibody titer declined from 1/1011 in 1998 to 1/187 in 2001. 76.92% of the patients maintained an antibody titer equal or higher than 1/160 three years after the acute phase. A significant relation between the initial antibody titer and the antibody titer registered in the late phase was observed. A relationship between final antibody titer and prescribed antibiotic, presence of sequelae, gender, or age was not demonstrated. CONCLUSIONS: The antibody titer in the presence of Francisella tularensis is high in an important percentage of the patients along years. We should reconsider the standard diagnostic criteria to our community, accepting as a certainty diagnosis exclusively the presence of a demonstrative culture or the existence of seroconversion.

Evaluación de costes en cuidados intensivos. A la búsqueda de una unidad relativa de valor / Costs evaluation in intensive care in search of a costs proxy

Introducción. La gestión clinicofinanciera de una UCI requiere un método para aproximar los costes individuales y establecer una unidad relativa de valor. Se pretende analizar los costes reales y su estimación mediante índices de gravedad y de actividad terapéutica, así como valorar si a escala individual el índice NEMS podría ser de utilidad para su medición. Pacientes y método. Se trata de un estudio de cohorte de pacientes ingresados en la UCI durante el año 2000. Mediante muestreo aleatorio estratificado se seleccionó a 106 pacientes de los 14 grupos relacionados por el diagnóstico (GRD) finales más habituales. Se llevó a cabo un registro de costes variables directos de cada paciente con asignación de costes fijos directos e indirectos en función de las estancias. Se midieron: estancia, índices de gravedad fisiológica (APACHE II, SAPS II, MPM0, MPM24) y de dependencia terapéutica (NEMS, TISS-28 y OMEGA). El análisis estadístico se basó en el coeficiente de correlación de Spearman (CCS) entre costes totales e índices. Se realizó una comparación entre los costes reales y los teóricos calculados sobre la base del NEMS mediante la mediana de la diferencia de dichos costes (AMD; percentil 5 y 95) y el análisis de Bland y Altman. Los valores se expresan en forma de media (intervalo de confianza [IC] del 95 por ciento). Resultados. Se seleccionó a 106 de los 861 pacientes con estancia mayor o igual a un día, 74 de los cuales eran varones. La edad media fue 68,2 años (65,4-71,0); la estancia media fue de 7,3 días (5,3-9,3); el APACHE II medio, de 17,6 (16,019,2); el NEMS, de 219,7 (153,7-285,8); el peso del GRD, de 5,8 (4,6-6,9); la media de coste/paciente, de 6.767,34 euros (4.919,95-8.614,74); la financiación GRD/paciente, de 6.282,29 euros (4.992,827.571,76); la media de coste/NEMS, de 12,42 euros (11,09-13,76), y la relación coste/estancia, de 921,28 euros (888,22-954,34). Los valores del CCS fueron los siguientes: estancia, r = 0,98 (p = 0,000); APACHE II, r = 0,36 (p = 0,000); SAPS II, r = 0,27 (p = 0,007); MPM0, r = 0,20 (p = 0,032); MPM24, r = 0,21 (p = 0,029); NEMS, r = 0,92 (p = 0,000); TISS-28, r = 0,91 (p = 0,000); OMEGA, r = 0,85 (p = 0,000), y peso GRD, r = 0,55 (p = 0,000). AMD: -154,71 (-3.719,86 a 958,07). Conclusiones. El cálculo de costes mediante el método descrito resulta más aproximado que la asignación por GRD. La estancia es el componente de mayor impacto en los costes totales. El NEMS puede ser de utilidad para calcular costes reales. Aun existiendo individualmente diferencias entre costes reales y calculados, el método utilizado puede resultar de gran utilidad para calcular los recursos financieros de una UCI (AU)